How do you optimize inventory space for speedrunning Valheim?

Optimizing inventory space is crucial for speedrunning Valheim, as it allows you to carry essential items without unnecessary weight or clutter. The game limits inventory slots to 32, and each item has a weight that affects your movement speed. To maximize efficiency, prioritize carrying only the most critical items for your current objective, such as tools, weapons, food, and materials for crafting or building.\n\nStart by organizing your inventory into categories: tools, weapons, consumables, and materials. Tools like the pickaxe, axe, and hammer are essential for gathering resources and building, so always keep them equipped. Weapons should be chosen based on the biome you''re exploring; for example, a bow and arrows are ideal for the Black Forest, while a shield and melee weapon are better for close combat in the Swamp. Consumables like food and potions should be kept in a separate row for quick access during emergencies.\n\nTo save space, avoid carrying duplicate items unless absolutely necessary. For example, you only need one type of axe or pickaxe at a time. Similarly, limit the number of weapons you carry to one or two, depending on the biome. Food is an exception; always carry at least three types of food to maximize health and stamina. Prioritize high-tier foods like cooked meat, sausages, and turnip stew, which provide significant buffs without taking up too much space.\n\nMaterials should be carefully selected based on your current goals. For speedrunning, focus on carrying only the materials needed for immediate crafting or building. For example, if you''re heading to the Mountains to mine silver, bring only the materials required to craft a forge and upgrade your gear. Leave non-essential items like wood or stone at your base to free up space for valuable resources like silver or black metal.\n\nUse chests and carts to store excess items at your base or temporary outposts. This allows you to return and restock without carrying unnecessary weight. In the early game, prioritize building a workbench and chest near key resource nodes, such as copper deposits in the Black Forest. This strategy minimizes backtracking and keeps your inventory focused on essential items.\n\nAnother key mechanic is the use of portals. Portals allow you to quickly travel between your base and remote locations, reducing the need to carry heavy materials over long distances. Always carry portal materials (10 fine wood and 2 greydwarf eyes) to set up a quick return point. This is especially useful when exploring dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Plains, where you may need to retreat quickly.\n\nFinally, consider the weight of items when planning your inventory. Heavier items like ore and metal bars significantly slow you down, so avoid carrying them unless absolutely necessary. Instead, use carts or boats to transport large quantities of heavy materials. For example, when mining iron in the Swamp, use a cart to haul the ore back to your base rather than carrying it in your inventory.\n\nIn summary, optimizing inventory space for speedrunning Valheim requires careful planning and prioritization. Focus on carrying only essential items, use storage solutions like chests and carts, and leverage portals to minimize travel time. By following these strategies, you can maintain a lightweight inventory while efficiently progressing through the game.